Your delivery operations rely on accuracy and efficiency from your tanker trailer pumps. Being able to recognize and identify issues within your pumps is critical. Continue reading to learn valuable insights about common issues and signs that indicate you need pump truck services. Being able to quickly identify problems can be the difference between making your next delivery and being stranded on the side of the road Google searching “pump truck repair near me.”
When To Consider Tanker Trailer Pump Services
As a trucking professional, staying on the road is more than a convenience; it’s your livelihood. Knowing what to look for and the indicators that let you know it’s time for pump truck services is critical. Whether your tanker trailer pump seems to have lost some of its giddy-up, you hear unusual noises inside your truck’s housing, or vanes are showing signs of wear and tear, your pump system is letting you know something’s wrong.
As a proactive self-diagnostic step, you can quickly check for wear and tear. All that’s required to check the condition of your vanes is to locate the inspection holes found on the side of vacuum pumps. If you can see signs of worn-out vanes, your best bet is to have them replaced before they become too short and break off.
As always, consult your owner’s manual for suggested maintenance intervals and pump truck service recommendations.
Thorough Vane Pump Repairs
Though you can handle some minor vane work as a DIY project, professionals should handle extensive tanker trailer pump repairs. When your rotary vane pumps require disassembly, you want to ensure highly-trained and certified technicians perform the work.
Dismantling the entire pump allows technicians to pinpoint the exact cause of problems and create solutions. Finding a reputable pump truck service provider helps ensure repairs are made rather than upselling you on unnecessary replacements or rebuilds.
Though each service shop is different, typical vane pump repairs have a similar process. Technicians likely start by examining your fluid reservoir, looking for signs of contamination such as oily water or sludge. The vane system should be inspected, and if necessary, overhauled. Relief valves should be given a look, tested, and replaced if needed.
Shafts and rotors should also be inspected and serviced whenever necessary. Bearing seals, worn mechanical assemblies, and oil seals often require replacement or repair, so technicians should ensure their viability. Finally, examining and providing service to pressure and return ports help round out a detailed maintenance and repair shop.
Pump Truck Services for PTO Driven Pumps
PTO shaft-driven pumps are another common type of tanker trailer pump. They are compatible with blended biodiesel and ethanol products as well as standard petroleum fluids you and your fleet commonly deliver.
There are several common signs to look for that indicate your tanker trailer pump requires repairs services. Find a pump truck repair near you if you notice:
- Unusual noises: Whining sounds are a strong indication that the gears in your pump are too tight. If the opposite is true, gears that are too loose make a distinct clattering noise. You may also recognize a problematic PTO pump if you hear clicking or grinding noises.
- Leakage: If you find that your PTO shaft-driven pump is leaking, it’s likely originating from one of two sources—failing stud threads or seals. The main culprits of leaking stud threads are improper torque of the fasteners, improper installation of the studs, or a poorly installed gasket. If seals are the issue, it may be from normal wear and tear over time. However, transmission preparation can also be the reason for your problems.
- Engagement issues: Engagement problems with your powershift PTO may be caused by blocked hoses and fittings or poor connections. Mechanical PTO engagement problems are often traced to low air pressure, backlashes connected too tight, or low air pressure.
- Disengagement troubles: If your powershift PTO has disengagement problems, one of the most common causes is liquid sludge blocking the hoses or fittings. A frozen clutch pack or solenoid issues may also be the root of your problems.
Specific performance issues are often traced back to PTO pumps as well. Erratic operations, particularly hard shifting, or continually jumping out of gear, indicate pump problems. When you take your tanker truck in, a reliable service provider thoroughly inspects several parts, including:
- Housing
- Shafts
- Bearings
- Gears
- Clutches
We should note that housing damage, such as a cracked case, is one of the most significant problems with PTO pumps. Don’t risk catastrophic damage to your tank trailer from neglecting signs of housing damage. If untreated, you face oil loss and eventual transmission failure.
Rely on White Tank & Truck Repair for Fast, Reliable, and Certified Pump Truck Services
For nearly four decades, White Tank & Truck Repair has been the trucking industry’s go-to source for pump truck services in Missouri, Kansas, and southern Illinois. Our team of R stamped technicians specialize in various truck services, installations, and state and federal compliance testing.
We keep a large inventory of standard and hard-to-find parts to help ensure our clients face as little downtime as possible when undergoing tank, PTO, or vane pump repairs. The next time you find yourself in need of maintenance, don’t search “pump truck repair near me.” Head to White Tank & Truck Repair today.
